Chester May 20th 1816 -


Well Louisa.  
As I promissed [sic] I write again. 
But I write under some fearful apprehinssions, [sic] least 
something has befalen [sic] you, for I have not heard 
from you, this long time, I have written two or 
three letters at least since I have heard from you.
My hopes are that this will find you happy and well -
        I have been verry [sic] busy the last fortnight, in 
the garden, that is, what time, I could steal from  
my office.  I employed in planting the garden; 
but the weather is so cold I fear I shall not be 
able to raise any thing. [sic]  But I will try and collect 
a few roots + materials for a garden an other 
year - when I last wrote you, I expected to 
have purchased a small house and Lot in this Village
but this bargain has falen [sic] through; and I have 
determined to _build_ a house of my own.   this I  
cannot accomplish before an other [sic] season.  and 
have accordingly hired a house for next year, 
and hope by January next to have my Louisa Mistress 
of the same -  the house I have hired. (or for which 
I have bargained) stands near my fathers, and my 
office is between them 
   I have made my arangements, [sic] and contracted
for some materials to build my house.   an other 
summer.  I think I shall build of _brick_ and should 
be glad to have a plan of the same from under 
your hand. The size of the house, + the bigness, and 
number, of the rooms, would enable me to asscertain [sic]


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the quantity and dimensions of the materials, I 
shall want, for the building -
        The distance is so great and the going so bad
between this and Canton.  that I am at a loss 
to know, what season of the year would be the 
pleasantest for you to make the Journey -
   I wish you to mention this subject in your 
next, and also what furniture, you wish to have
me purchase, in order that I may make some 
calculations, about obtaining it. (for I suppose 
we shall want furniture as well as a great many 
other things) -  At present my greatest desire is to see 
Louisa happy. 
                              C. L. R




PS.  Since my last the man I mentioned who
did not dare to marry the girl he loved for fear 
of being Crazy has been in this Town with his 
wife. but I missed the pleasure of seeing them 
I would put myself out considerable for the sight, 
had I known of their being in town - 


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[addressed to]


 _Free_      C.L. Rockwood 
                                _Post Master Chester_


Miss Louisa Foote 
                Canton 
                        N. York 




[written upside down on same page]


Capt Cephas L Rockwood 
Capt         “       Post Master
        Patience is a diamond 
of lifs [sic] darling luster but as 
precarious as any in the diadem
of life - and Oh may it sparkle in the
crown that my encircles my brow